Name: One Pot Cheesy Taco Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade); 2 tbsp tomato paste or 1/2 cup salsa; 3 cups beef broth or water; 8 oz uncooked pasta (elbows, rotini, or shells); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 4 oz cream cheese or 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, green onions, crushed tortilla chips, avocado, jalapeños

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One pot means minimal cleanup
Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights
Kid-approved and picky-eater friendly
Combines the best of tacos and pasta in one dish
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
Great for leftovers and meal prep

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef (or ground turkey)
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
Tomato paste or salsa
Beef broth or water
Uncooked pasta (elbow, rotini, or shells work best)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Cream cheese or sour cream
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, green onions, crushed tortilla chips, avocado, jalapeños

Directions

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.
Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, and tomato paste or salsa. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in beef broth and stir well to combine.
Add the uncooked pasta and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once pasta is cooked, stir in cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Mix until melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Let rest for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
Top with your favorite taco-inspired toppings and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef
Add corn, black beans, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture
Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a lighter version
Use taco shells or tortilla chips for crunch on top
Try pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend for extra spice
Make it vegetarian with plant-based meat or extra beans and veggies

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk
Not recommended for freezing, as the pasta texture may change

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead and reheat before serving. It holds up well in the fridge for a few days.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like elbows, shells, or rotini holds the sauce well and cooks evenly in one pot.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild taco flavor. You can adjust the spice level by using spicy salsa, hot taco seasoning, or adding jalapeños.

Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

It’s best to cook the pasta in the pot with the sauce to absorb flavor and thicken the dish. Pre-cooked pasta may result in a thinner consistency.

What if I don’t have taco seasoning?

You can make your own with a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely. Corn, black beans, bell peppers, or even spinach make great additions.

How do I make it creamier?

Add extra cream cheese, sour cream, or a splash of heavy cream at the end for a creamier texture.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken can be used.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melt well and add great flavor.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It’s best eaten fresh or refrigerated. Freezing may cause the pasta to become mushy upon reheating.

Conclusion

One Pot Cheesy Taco Noodles is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution—fast, flavorful, and family-approved. With its comforting blend of taco spices, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, this dish hits all the right notes. Plus, the one-pot convenience makes cleanup a breeze. It’s everything you love about tacos and pasta, rolled into one delicious, easy meal.